Carefully crafted by hand using techniques mastered over generations, Japanese swords are at once a weapon and a work of art. Fascinated with swords since he was a child, Yuya Nakanishi has dedicated his life to forging the perfect blade. Since becoming an apprentice swordsmith 15 years ago, Nakanishi uses traditional methods and materials, working to master the art of sword-making from his workshop in Kyoto. Taking a week to craft a single sword, Nakanishi shapes watetsu iron over hot coals before using tsuchi clay to create the distinctive textured blade that sets Japanese swords apart.
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